12 Weeks of Winter Squash – Buttercup Chili

What is more fun than having a construction crew (jack hammers and all) working outside your window from 8-5 every day, thereby preventing you from napping, focusing, and/or being a productive member of society in any way shape or form?

Having a construction crew “blasting” outside your window from 8-5 every day.

Blasting, of course, being the practice of blowing s*** up. All for the sake of getting deeper and deeper into the ground until eventually you go far enough that you can start building your way up again. It’s every ten year old boy’s dream.

And might just explain why my guy friends have set up a viewing area in front of my window, complete with popcorn and an open bar. They want in on the action. Badly.

The blasts, apparently, will sound to passersby like a low distant rumbling, similar to thunder.

I beg to differ. Dynamite will be exploding outside my window. Words like “apocalyptic” and “earth-shattering” seem like they would be much more accurate descriptors.That is all neither here or there, really, except for the fact that I have a pretty serious fear of explosives. So we shall see how I fare over the course of the next few weeks. As long as I remind myself not to hyperventilate, though, it should be okay.Although we are experiencing a two day warm front right now (only to be followed by mass amounts of rain. lovely.), the past few weeks have been filled with 50 degree weather, which is perfect for running but less than ideal for those of us who can’t even bear to put their air conditioner when it hits 90.

And by those of us, I mean me.

So I have been walking around lately wearing three sweatshirts and wrapping myself in my down comforter. I may also have worn spandex under my jeans when I went out this weekend. But I can neither confirm nor deny that assertion.

There is nothing like a good bowl of chili to warm you up, however. Especially when that chili is infused with the sweet notes of buttercup squash and red bell peppers. And when it is dotted by vaquero beans, a type of heirloom bean that Rancho Gordo describes as being a cousin to the Anasazi whose inky black and white markings resemble that of an appaloosa.

Personally, I thought they looked much more like dalmations. But that just may have been the dog lover in me.

I am submitting this third installment of the 12 Weeks of Winter Squash to both Souper Sundays, hosted by Deb of Kahakai Kitchen, and No Croutons Required for which this month’s theme is Root Vegetables.Butternut ChiliServes 4-6, adapted from Karina’s Kitchen

1. Soak and cook your beans. I used the crockpot method, first soaking them overnight and then leaving them in the crockpot on low for 5-6 hours or until soft.

2. Drizzle the olive oil in the bottom of a slow cooker; add the garlic and spices and stir to combine.

3. Add the remaining ingredients. Gently stir to mix. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours. I cooked this overnight and then stored it in the fridge until I was ready to eat it.

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I had construction a couple of months ago, which doesn’t even come close to what you’re going through. I had 2 – 3 days of jackhammering the sidewalk in front of our house and resplacing with new cement and THAT drove me crazy.

Are you ready for this….I am also living in a blasting zone. We live in a newer subdivision and they are blasting out the new section(which happens to be in my backyard) The are literally in my backyard with probes measuring seismic activity!! Mind you, this is Kentucky and the workers have no teeth (well maybe one tooth a piece) and they are wearing hats that say “I love explosives”. Yes, kinda scary! I agree that the blasts do not sound like thunder, they are earth-shattering, house-shaking explosions that make your ears ring. My two year old is not getting any afternoon naps and this makes for a very unhappy mom with no “alone time”. Not to mention, the works are kinda crazy looking and you can’t understand anything they say. They actually asked me to leave at one point last week. Anyway, it’s comforting to know that someone else can appreciate the wonders of living in a “blasting zone”. This chili looks very hearty and delicious. I hope it helped to warm you up!!

We have an allergic-to-everything kid, no gluten,no dairy, no soy, corn, nuts, fruits that grow on trees, potatoes, just about everything. So this recipe looks perfect. Am saving and making this. It’s so terrific to find a recipe that I can make and she’ll enjoy. This recipe is a total winner.

Bah humbug on the construction! Beware your hanging pictures and dishware in racks!

The days of my wearing spandex under jeans is long over, Joanne. Ahhhh youth!And sorry about the blasting- you WILL get used to it I suppose. Progress. (If it brings an assortment of men over I guess it’s not all bad.)Love your chili recipe- the beans are a great and healthy touch. Nice on a cold day- of which we are NOT having down here!

There had been construction next to my building since September and it will last for about 4 years (they are building a condo building). Fortunately, I am always up and are out of my condo when the builders are working.

The ingredients list sounds really exotic Joanne. I bet it tasted pretty amazing ! I find cumin pairs amazingly with butternut squash, and the agave would’ve enhanced its sweetness. Its looks just beautiful ! Am so sorry to hear about the ‘ blasting outside’ and how its creating havoc for you ( especially since you are a student). It seems construction is always going on in Manhattan…on virtually every block in some form or the other. Thats why you need to live in Staten Island ! : ) … OKAY…I know it is considered the under dog of the 5 boroughs ( by that i mean the least happening place to be)…however… it is so green, with fresh air and residential too ( well my neighbourhood at least). But I suppose grass is always greener on the otherside, as my hubs and I have been contemplating relocating to the Manhattan as the commute/ traffic is killing of both time and energy at the moment.

my mouth was watering as I was reading the recipe. I wish it was cooler here though! Your comments about the construction remind me of Beirut; there is always deafening noise there, whether from explosions or constructions.